Nissan reveals upgraded GT-R

First it was King Kong and now Godzilla has rampaged New York.

Nissan has revealed a special 50th anniversary edition of its iconic GT-R as well as an update to its race-bred Nismo version at the New York motor show this week.

To celebrate the famed badge's golden anniversary, the limited edition GT-R features even more power from its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6, revisions to the gearbox calibration and modified chassis elements to make it even more engaging and quicker than before.

The engine, for starters, has new turbo chargers that are more efficient and a revised exhaust manifold that increase peak power to 421kW and torque lifts to 633Nm in standard models. Top-spec Track Edition models also get new turbo chargers - lifted directly from the GT3 racer - that increase boost pressure and elevate peak power to 447kW while maximum torque jumps up to 652Nm.

Both models also now feature a titanium muffler with burnished blue tips and the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been revised with a more aggressive R mode that brings faster downshifts, while it has been re-calibrated in the default auto mode to be more intuitive when left to its own devices.

Nissan says the adaptive suspension has been re-tuned "to provide better cornering stability and a smoother ride", the steering is "more linear and precise than ever" and a new brake brake booster provides better feel with less pedal stroke.

But the biggest changes are reserved for how it looks, as the 50th Anniversary models will be exclusively offered in a choice of three heritage-inspired two-tone paint schemes.

The most notable is a return of Bayside blue - a colour that hasn't been seen since the previous R34 Skyline GT-R went out of production in 2002 - with white stripes. The paint itself goes through a four-coat, double-heat treatment for maximum impact and quality, and the colour is matched to highlights in the new-look alloy wheels.

The other colour options are pearl white with red stripes and super silver with white stripes.

Inside, the cabin features a unique steering wheel and gear knob trim and special seat embossing while Alcantara is used in the head liner and sun visors.

“The Nissan GT-R has been the icon of our company’s driving performance for the past half century,” said Shinichiro Irie, program design director for the GT-R.

“We were highly motivated to ensure that the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition stands out. While the exterior and interior changes may seem subtle at first glance, they’re still impactful, especially with the new paint schemes, keeping the car’s lines and overall presence modern and edgy.”

Beyond the 50th anniversary model, Nissan has updated the Nismo GT-R with a host of modifications aimed at reducing weight, increasing downforce and improving performance.

The key changes include the use of carbon fibre in the new-look front and rear bumpers, bonnet, front guards, roof, side sills and rear spoiler. Nissan says the new parts contribute to 10.5kg weight saving over its predecessor, while it has shaved a further 20kg from its kerb weight through other weight-reduction measures.

The front guards now feature scalloped vents - like those on the GT3 race car - that funnel hot air away from the engine bay and increase downforce on the front tyres while improving air flow over the body to make the rear wing more effective.

The Nismo is fitted with new-look Rays forged alloy wheels that are lighter than before and are wrapped in new-generation Dunlop tyres that are wider and have less tread grooves to create a larger contact patch for maximum dry-weather grip.

Nismo engineers modified the GT3-spec turbo chargers with revised turbine shape and fewer blades to improve flow rate and enhance acceleration, even if it doesn't produce higher power outputs with 447kW and 652Nm.

Like the 50th Anniversary model, the six-speed dual clutch auto has been revised, as has the suspension and steering, while braking is now taken care of by the standard fitment of Brembo carbon ceramic discs (410mm front and 390mm rear) that can resist temperatures of up to 1000-degrees centigrade.